Afghan governor survives car bomb, 8 dead

Afghan governor survives car bomb, 8 dead

The governor, Rahmatullah Yarmal, was unharmed in the attack in Laghman province, according to his spokesman, Asadullah Dawlatzai

AgenciesUpdated: Monday, October 05, 2020, 09:22 PM IST
article-image
Afghan security forces inspect the site of a car bomb attack that targeted Laghman provincial governor's convoy, in Mihtarlam, Laghman Province. | PIC: AFP

A suicide car bomber targeted the convoy of a provincial governor in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least eight people, including four civilians, government officials said.

The governor, Rahmatullah Yarmal, was unharmed in the attack in Laghman province, according to his spokesman, Asadullah Dawlatzai.

Four of Yarmal's bodyguards were killed, the spokesman said, adding that about 38 people - both military and civilians - were wounded in the attack, which took place in Mihterlam, the provincial capital.

Dawlatzai said 36 civilians were among the wounded, including children, as well as two other bodyguards of the governor.

The explosion also left several badly damaged vehicles at the site of the attack. The wounded, including small children, were taken to the city's main hospitals.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but both the Islamic State group and the Taliban are active in the area. Both militant groups have carried out attacks in the past against Afghan government representatives, national security and defense personnel, and civilians.

The Laghman attack came after a suicide truck bombing in neighboring Nangarhar province on Saturday killed 13 people and wounded 38. That attack struck near a mosque as people were gathering for afternoon prayers.

RECENT STORIES

Shubhanshu Shukla's Family Celebrates His Safe Return To Earth By Cutting Cake (VIDEO)

Shubhanshu Shukla's Family Celebrates His Safe Return To Earth By Cutting Cake (VIDEO)

Teary-Eyed Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Wave Indian Flag As Axiom-4 Astronauts Return To Earth After...

Teary-Eyed Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Wave Indian Flag As Axiom-4 Astronauts Return To Earth After...

FIRST VISUALS: Shubhanshu Shukla Exits Dragon Capsule Pod After Historic Splashdown Off San Diego...

FIRST VISUALS: Shubhanshu Shukla Exits Dragon Capsule Pod After Historic Splashdown Off San Diego...

Tariff War: Trump’s Stern Warning To Russia, Says - End War In 50 Days Or Face 100% Tariffs

Tariff War: Trump’s Stern Warning To Russia, Says - End War In 50 Days Or Face 100% Tariffs

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Other Members Of Axiom-4 Crew Return To Earth As Dragon...

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Other Members Of Axiom-4 Crew Return To Earth As Dragon...